Anatomy

Velopharyngeal Sphincter

A group of muscles attached to the SOFT PALATE (or velum) and the PHARYNX. They include the superior constrictor, the PALATOPHARYNGEUS, the levator veli palatini muscle, and the muscularis uvulae. This sphincter is situated between the oral and nasal cavities. A competent velopharyngeal sphincter is essential for normal speech and swallowing.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A group of muscles attached to the SOFT PALATE (or velum) and the PHARYNX. They include the superior constrictor, the PALATOPHARYNGEUS, the levator veli palatini muscle, and the muscularis uvulae. This sphincter is situated between the oral and nasal cavities. A competent velopharyngeal sphincter is essential for normal speech and swallowing.

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Classification

Broader headings

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Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Palatopharyngeal Sphincter
  • Sphincter, Palatopharyngeal
  • Sphincter, Velopharyngeal

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

24 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

History Note

2009

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Palate, Soft (1978-2008)
  • Pharynx (1977-2008)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Velopharyngeal Sphincter. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D055158. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D055158
  2. Velopharyngeal Sphincter. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velopharyngeal_port
  3. Velopharyngeal Sphincter. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q70075597